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Since Sept. 11, 2001, the way airline passengers travel and prepare to travel has changed drastically. In fact, what’s permitted and not permitted on planes has left many travelers puzzled, upset and disappointed -- especially when they’re forced to surrender a prohibited item before boarding. Knowing in advance which items are not allowed as carry-on baggage will save you frustration and time, and also help keep the security checkpoint line moving at a brisk pace. In addition, following some guidelines can reduce the likelihood that your checked bags -- as well as your valuables -- will be lost or stolen.

Items you will need

Suitcase(s)

Carry-on bag(s)

Three-ounce bottles

Clear plastic zip bags

Step 1

Roll up your clothes for efficient packing and to help keep apparel wrinkle-free. Many backpackers swear by this method, especially for pants, skirts and sports shirts, according to IndependentTraveler.com. Lay pants and skirts face-down and roll from the bottom up. Fold back sleeves before rolling up shirts.

Step 2

Pack your carry-on bag lightly, according to AirSafe.com. Most airlines limit carry-ons to 40 pounds. Heavier bags can cause injury if they fall out of the overhead bin. You also don’t want to lug a heavy bag through the airport, especially if you have to make a connecting flight.

Step 3

Follow the rule of 3-1-1 when packing fluid items in carry-on baggage, according to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Each passenger is allowed 3.4 oz. or less of liquid, aerosol or gel in as many bottles as will fit in a 1-quart clear zip bag. (Three-ounce bottles, one bag, 1 quart = 3-1-1.) Pack non-essential fluid items of more than 3.4 oz. in your checked luggage. Secure all caps and pack each bottle in its own zip bag to avoid accidental leakage. At the airline-screening checkpoint, you can declare larger quantities of medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk -- in reasonable amounts -- as carry-on items. You don't have to pack these in a plastic bag.

Step 4

Leave hazardous or prohibited materials at home. Certain items are allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on luggage. These include box cutters, scissors, knives, baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, realistic replicas of weapons, self-defense sprays, hammers and other tools. Unload any firearms carried as checked baggage, pack them in a locked, hard-sided container and declare them to your airline at check-in. Check with your airline to see whether ammunition is allowed as checked baggage, as rules vary by company. A complete list of prohibited and restricted items can be found at tsa.gov.

Step 5

Include your contact information on the inside and outside of every piece of carry-on and checked luggage, advises AirSafe.com. Also place a copy of your itinerary inside each of your bags in case your luggage gets separated from your flight, thereby making it easier for the airline to reunite you with your bags.

Step 6

Keep valuables in your carry-on luggage, including cash, traveler's checks, laptop computers or other electronics, jewelry, prescription medication or items of sentimental value. Pack them in a bag small enough to stow under your seat.

Tips

Make a list of everything you'll need on your trip, then review it and cut anything you feel might be superfluous.

Bring at least two sets of clothing for each type of venue you might find yourself in. For example, if you’re taking a business trip, pack more than one suit, just in case you spill something on one or get it dirty.

Some hotels offer one-day dry-cleaning service, but many do not.

If you can, travel only with carry-on bags to reduce the risk of having your luggage lost or stolen.

Some airlines charge for checked baggage. Check with your airline about fees.

References

Resources

About the Author

Angela Brown has been a book editor since 1997. She has written for various websites, as well as National Public Radio, Pacifica Radio and more than 20 fiction anthologies. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater and English from the University of Wisconsin.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.